Humana Partners to Enhance Mental Health Education for Youth in Louisville

The newly inaugurated Health and Well-being Center introduces a mental health education component to JA Finance Park’s existing interactive learning model. This innovative space aims to integrate financial literacy with emotional well-being, allowing students to understand the connection between their mental health and their financial decisions.

Tiffany Benjamin, CEO of the Humana Foundation, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “This learning hub represents a powerful step toward closing the knowledge gap around youth mental health. By integrating mental wellness into financial literacy and career planning, we’re helping students build the tools they need to thrive, both personally and professionally.”

The Health and Well-being Center is set to engage nearly 10,000 middle and high school students annually. It offers a variety of hands-on activities designed to empower students in their understanding of mental health, including:

This initiative addresses a critical need, as statistics from the National Alliance on Mental Illness reveal that one in six U.S. youth aged 6–17 experiences a mental health condition each year. Notably, neither Kentucky nor Indiana mandates mental health education within their K-12 curriculum. The Health and Well-being Center aspires to normalize discussions surrounding mental health and encourages students to seek help when necessary.

The establishment of the Health and Well-being Center is a product of collaborative efforts among the four partner organizations. Humana Inc. was instrumental in leading the strategic build and design of the Center, while the Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute provided expertise in both environmental and emotional wellness. The strategic funding and vision from the Humana Foundation and the Jewish Heritage Fund were crucial in advancing equitable health outcomes for Louisville’s youth.

Jeff Polson, President & CEO of the Jewish Heritage Fund, highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “Adolescence is a critical time for brain development, setting the stage for lifelong benefits. We are grateful for Humana’s leadership on this initiative with Junior Achievement to help Louisville’s youth build a strong foundation for future success.”

Humana Inc. continues to be dedicated to prioritizing health for its stakeholders, including teammates, customers, and communities. Through its insurance services and CenterWell health care services, Humana aims to facilitate better health outcomes for millions of people, particularly those in underserved communities.

The Humana Foundation, established in 1981, is focused on health equity, working to dismantle barriers in health and healthcare that are unjust and unnecessary. Through collaborations and investments, the Foundation strives to foster healthier communities and create emotional connections that promote lifelong well-being.

The grand opening of the Health and Well-being Center marks a vital step forward in addressing youth mental health education in Louisville. By fostering an environment where financial literacy and mental health awareness coexist, Humana Inc. and its partners are paving the way for a brighter, healthier future for the next generation. This initiative not only promises to equip students with essential tools for their personal and professional lives but also aims to reshape the conversation around mental health in the educational landscape.